Alex Smith was considered a bust for much of his career but is now one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL

His first five seasons in the league saw him throw just 51 touchdowns against 53 interceptions and lead his team to just 19 wins and 31 losses.

Earning the nickname ‘Captain Checkdown’ for his inability to do anything but throw quick and easy throws, the league all but gave up on the former college star.

Only adding to Smith’s narrative of failure was the fact that the second quarterback drafted in 2005 was none other than Aaron Rodgers – who proved in his first season as a starter that he should have been the No 1 pick.

In his late-20s by then, most had given up on Smith as a starting qb, but in 2011, the 49ers hired Jim Harbaugh and everything changed.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Led the Utah Utes to the 2003 Liberty Bowl and the 2005 Fiesta Bowl

No 1 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers

After five losing years, led the 49ers to the play-offs in 2011

Part of the losing Super Bowl team in 2012, although he was on the bench

Signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013

Named to the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2016

Has led the Cheifs to four play-off appearances in five seasons – Kansas City had made the play-offs just three times in the previous 15 years

Smith was the No 1 pick in the 2005 draft but won just 19 of his first 50 games

Playing in a conservative style, Smith became a prototypical ‘game manager’, his offence was not high-powered or particularly exciting, but the former Utah star became an expert at minimising turnovers, making smart plays at the right time and controlling the clock.

Smith led the 49ers to 13 wins and overtime of the NFC Championship game.

A season later Smith was leading the league in wins and pass completion – but went down with a concussion where he was replaced by Colin Kaepernick.

The younger passer was seen as the more dynamic threat and filled in brilliantly, leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl defeat.